Lessons from Japan (6 months on....)

"Gaman". I think this will be a word I'll be incorporating into my vocabulary.

These are some thoughts I had initially after the earthquake. Recently I came across them again, and felt to share. I can't find the original article, unfortunately, that moved me so. However I've attached some other articles underneath, that I stumbled upon. I hope that we can learn some lessons from Japan...:

Lessons from Japan

I never thought there would be any good from this earthquake. I never thought there would be a lesson for all of humanity. A lesson for me, such a selfish being, to learn. I never knew that there would be more than misery upon misery. Sorrow upon sorrow. I was glad that even in all this, I could still see God.

Let us learn a lesson from Japan. How is it, we are to act, when we claim to be people of service? People that care for community, the world, and each other? Let us learn a lesson from Japan, and know what true, selfless love is about. I am guilty, as much as or even more than the next person. When have I shown such selfless love, and care? An utter willingness, above myself, to go out of my way to help someone else? Is that not what we sing through our tired lips, “Service above self?” Service above self. Let us now truly serve, above self. Let us act more, and say less. Let us learn a lesson, from Japan.

-          Compassion

-          Respect

-          Integrity and genuineness

Articles

1) "On the Ground- Sympathy and Admiration"

http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/11/sympathy-for-japan-and-admiration/

2) "The Art of Endurance" (TIME Magazine)